Mage And Wolf
Chapter 190

Chapter 190: Chapter 190

Despite their advantage in Gear, the opposing team is little better than exhausted. Being mortal in the Divine Realm, there’s not much energy here they’re actually capable of cultivating, and with exercises and fights every day, they are forced to burn off what little they do collect.

On the other hand, there’s an abundance of Death Energy, as nobody here seems to use much of it, and I can also filter a fair bit of the Divine energy, giving me a pleasant glow as my body absorbs it to Reinforce and change itself instead of using to to cultivate. The Mortal realm is very low in Divine Energy, and I’ve long since used up what Elder Song infused me with, so it almost felt like my body was dehydrated the way it started absorbing energy once I got here.

The referee signals the start of the fight and I launch myself at the four gladiators, keeping to about half speed, which is still more than they can react to. Within seconds they’re all down and the referee is staring at me in shock.

"We have our first Champion team of the day. Ahra and Puppy." I flick my ears in annoyance at his words and the crowd begins to laugh. I wonder what it takes to get a new name around here?

Ahra strips the half giant of his pants and chest armor, then gathers a sword from another fighter. Another has a long woolen tunic and a belt I commandeer, wearing them as a dress, but I leave them with everything else and motion for the guards to carry them out of the ring.

"Interesting strategy, starting bare handed into the second round. Our next team is an unusual one. Eight fighters all from a single gang. Welcome the Bangalore Boys to the arena." They’re all human, and all exceptionally ugly. Ahra looks traumatized at the sight of them before steeling herself for the fight.

"I don’t care what sort of ringer the Royals sent in here, we’re winning it all today." Their leader sneers waving at the crowd who roars in approval. I never thought of it that way. I suppose I am guilty as charged. Not only do I have an innate advantage as a Lycan, I can fight with full energy all day long. A feeling these cultivators haven’t enjoyed since they got here.

As soon as the fight starts two leap at Ahra who skilfully holds them at bay with her swordwork. The other six surrounded me, thinking they had an easy win, not realizing the mistake they were making. I launched the Energy Dragons out in opposing circles and activated Shadow Meld, slicing at leg tendons and exposed stomachs with my claws while they scrambled to recover.

In theory, we’re near the same level of cultivation, but none of them had the advantage of Elder Po spending months drilling essential assassination techniques into their minds and only one is a Physical cultivator.

None of the wounds will not be quickly fatal, just agonizing, and the wails of wounded fighters mix with the roar of the crowd as they begin to cheer us on. Ahra has taken a few light wounds by the time I finish, but one opponent is down and the other isn’t far behind. I sneak up behind him and grab both of his arms using a Crushing technique, shattering the bones. Ahra takes a moment to kick a few of the downed gangsters before the referee decides they’re done and calls the fight.

On general principle we take everything from them, piling it up in the corner of the ring while the assembled Nephilim mock the losers.

"Puppy, do you think it’s a good idea to antagonize them like that? Won’t it make life difficult for you later?" he asks, holding a short interview between fights while crews clean up the blood soaked arena.

"It is the only way they’ll learn. Since I’m not allowed to sacrifice them to the Black Dragon, the least I can do is punish them a little for their insolence." I tell him in a light and happy voice, making the crowd burst into laughter.

"Where did you learn to fight like that? We don’t have any information on your background before you were delivered to the arena." He continues, looking around.

"It’s clearly impressive, whatever it is." someone in the arena staff yells over the noise.

"Actually I’m just a disciple at a humble Sect, apprentice to The Librarian and anatural arts expert known as Elder Po. I like making pills in my spare time and practice mystic cooking. It’s all really quite benign." The look on his face says he didn’t believe me, but it’s about time for the next fight.

"Any words for your future opponents?"

"The more you resist, the more it will hurt. Just let it happen."

They don’t seem to have taken it well. The three giants are stomping the ground and raging.

"Why did you do that?" Ahra whispers into my ear as they get ready for the fight announcement.

"If they’re too mad to think they’re too mad to strategize. You get one, I’ll get the other two."

She’s a very competent fighter, if not for the fact they’ve been making her fight alone for the amusement of the crowd she would be one of the top fighters here.

[I don’t know if you can hear me. We’ve found you, but the city is about to be attacked by the Titan Clan so we can’t get to you yet.] I receive a mind link from Karl, the first sign the link is active since my capture.

[Don’t come yet. Let them fight it out. If it gets too bad I have the True Transmission Token to go back to the Shadowed Blade Sect.] I’m not sure it will work from here, but it should put his mind at ease.

[Elder Song says one month and the Dragons will come for you if you’re still there. Something about the prophecy needing time.] the link fades as he finishes so either the portal he was using closed or the city defense blocked us out. But now I know help is coming, and he knows I’m alive.